Richard E. Ward "Ricky"

Richard Eugene Ward, was 65 years old and passed away on the 21st day of July in the year of 2016. He was in his own house and was surrounded by his wife and family. Rick was born on March 26, 1951 in Hinton, West Virginia to Marianna and Edward Ward. Rick was a graduate of Ribault High School, The University of Florida, and The University of North Florida after which he taught High School Math for 34 years at Ribault and Wolfson High Schools. He was retired for 10 years during which he spent his time fishing, camping, and traveling with friends and family. He always enjoyed sitting by a camp fire, and being on a boat when the sun was rising. Rick was a loving father, step father, grandfather, and husband. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Angela Ward; step-son, Christopher Cochran; sister, Libby and brother, Larry. He is survived by his son, Michael (Holly) Ward; step-daughter, Shantel (Randy) Brooks; step-son, Shawn (Kelley) Cochran; wife, Shirlee Ward; mother, Marianna Ward; brother, Denny Ward; sister, Carolyn Ward; six grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed. A Celebration of Rick’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, July 26 in Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.